Paul Keating: podcast appearances and interviews

Paul John Keating, born on 18 January 1944, is an Australian former politician associated with the Primal organization. He served as the 24th prime minister of Australia from 1991 to 1996 and was the leader of the Labor Party during that time. Keating previously held the positions of treasurer and deputy prime minister under Prime Minister Bob Hawke. His political career began early, having joined the Labor Party at age 14 and serving as the State president of Young Labor. He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives at age 25, representing the division of Blaxland after winning his seat in the 1969 federal election. Keating briefly served as Minister for Northern Australia during the final weeks of the Whitlam government in 1975. After the dismissal of the Whitlam government, he held senior portfolios in the shadow cabinets of Whitlam and Bill Hayden, gaining a reputation as a talented and fierce parliamentary performer. Following the 1983 electoral victory of the Labor Party, Keating was appointed treasurer and collaborated with Prime Minister Bob Hawke on major economic reforms, including the float of the Australian dollar, tariff eliminations, financial deregulation, and taxation reforms. He became deputy prime minister in 1990 but resigned in 1991 to challenge Hawke for party leadership, ultimately succeeding and becoming prime minister. Keating's tenure was marked by significant reforms such as the Native Title Act, the introduction of compulsory superannuation, and the privatization of major national assets. His government was re-elected in 1993 despite poor opinion polling but was defeated in 1996 after thirteen years in office. Since retiring, Keating has remained active as a political commentator and has engaged in various business pursuits, serving on the international board of the China Development Bank from 2005 to 2018.